The Walking Dead loses its showrunner

The Marquee Blog reports: Frank Darabont, best known for directing The Shawshank Redemption, has stepped down from his position as showrunner on AMC's The Walking Dead, according to Deadline.

Darabont directed the pilot after trying for years to get the series on the air, and has been instrumental in the production of the show ever since.

Though, Deadline reports, "talks are still ongoing about him possibly staying on in some capacity." The three-time Oscar nominee appeared at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, along with the rest of the cast and crew.

AMC did not respond to requests for comment. In the meantime, The Walking Dead's new season [finally!] premieres on October 16th.

UPDATE: AMC broke its silence on the recent major showrunner shakeup that’s impacted their highest-rated series. No big revelations, but EW gives us the statement:

The Walking Dead’s Glen Mazzara, writer and executive producer, is expanding his responsibilities to assume the role of showrunner. AMC is grateful to executive producer, writer and pilot director Frank Darabont whose contributions to the success of The Walking Dead are innumerable. We continue to discuss his ongoing role with the series.

Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead graphic novels, executive producer and writer on the series, will remain in this role and will continue to steward the brand. Gale Anne Hurd will remain in her role as executive producer. The production continues on schedule for an Oct. 16 premiere.